Rubber compositions including siliceous fillers

ABSTRACT

Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compositions incorporating polymers that include hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionalities, silica or other particulate filler(s) that contain or include oxides of silicon and a group or compound that can act to covalently bond the filler particles and the polymer. The group can be provided as a substituent of the filler particle, or a discreet compound can be provided in the composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of presently pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/581,142, which was given a filing date of 26 Sep. 2012, as a national stage entry of international appl. no. PCT/US2011/026448, which was filed 28 Feb. 2011 and which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications 61/308,985, filed 28 Feb. 2010, and 61/355,461, filed 16 Jun. 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Traction performance is one of the primary evaluation criteria for tire treads, and performance on wet surfaces such as snow and ice is an important factor in that evaluation.

Deformation of tread rubber induced by road surface asperities, rate of water drainage between the tread and road surface, and possible adhesive interactions at the interface between tread and road are some of the complex, interrelated factors that complicate the type of quantitative mechanistic understanding needed to formulate tread compounds. To further improve tire performance, those involved in tread design and manufacture continue to investigate the numerous factors that affect wet traction.

Rubber goods such as tire treads are made from elastomeric compositions that contain one or more reinforcing materials; see, e.g., The Vanderbilt Rubber Handbook, 13^(th) ed. (1990), pp. 603-04. The first material commonly used as a filler was carbon black, which imparts good reinforcing properties and excellent wear resistance to rubber compositions. However, carbon black-containing formulations often suffer from increased rolling resistance which correlates with an increase in hysteresis and heat build-up during operation of the tire, properties which need to be minimized to increase motor vehicle fuel efficiency.

Increased hysteresis resulting from the use of carbon black can be somewhat counteracted by reducing the amount (i.e., volume) of and/or increasing the particle size of the carbon black particles, but the risks of deterioration in reinforcing properties and wear resistance limits the extent to which these routes can be pursued.

Over the last several decades, use of amorphous silica and treated variants thereof, both alone and in combination with carbon black, has grown significantly. Use of silica fillers can result in tires with reduced rolling resistance, increased traction on wet surfaces, and other enhanced properties.

In the search for further and/or additional enhancements, alternative or non-conventional fillers have been investigated. Examples include various metal hydroxides and oxides, macroscopic (e.g., 10-5000 μm mean diameter) particles of hard minerals such as CaCO₃ and quartz, pumice containing SiO₂, micron-scale metal sulfates, as well as clays and complex oxides.

Regardless of the type(s) of reinforcing filler(s) used in a rubber compound, enhancing dispersion of the filler(s) throughout the polymers can improve processability of the compound (rubber composition) and certain physical properties of vulcanizates made therefrom. Efforts in this regard include high temperature mixing in the presence of selectively reactive promoters, surface oxidation of compounding materials, surface grafting, and chemically modifying the polymer(s).

Chemical modification of polymers often occurs at a terminus. Terminal chemical modification can occur by reaction of a terminally active, i.e., living (i.e., anionically initiated) or pseudo-living, polymer with a functional terminating agent. Terminal modification also can be provided by means of a functional initiator, in isolation or in combination with functional termination. Functional initiators typically are organolithium compounds that additionally include other functionality, typically a nitrogen atom-containing moiety. Many functional initiators have relatively poor solubility in hydrocarbon solvents of the type commonly used in anionic polymerizations and cannot maintain propagation of living ends as well as more common alkyllithium initiators such as butyllithium; both characteristics unfortunately impact polymerization rate and efficiency negatively.

Polymers incorporating 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) have been synthesized for some time, often for adhesive applications; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,404. Because these polymers can be costly and difficult to produce, so-called bulk polymers approximating their performance have been pursued. One such process is described in Westwood et al., “Simplified Polymer Mimics of Cross-Linking Adhesive Proteins,” Macromolecules 2007, 40, 3960-64, although the de-protection step employed cannot be used when the polymer contains ethylenic unsaturation. A less restrictive approach is described in U.S. patent publ. no. 2011/0286348, which provides a functional polymer that exhibits excellent interaction with various types of reinforcing fillers. The interaction between the hydroxyl group(s) of the hydroxyaryl moiety and the surface of a silica particle, while significant, probably does not involve formation of a covalent bond.

Providing additional, enhanced affinity between hydroxyaryl moieties and the silica surface via formation of a covalent bond therebetween remains desirable.

SUMMARY

Vulcanizates with desirable properties can be obtained from compounds employing polymers that include a hydroxyl group-containing aryl functionality, silica (or other types of filler(s) that contains oxides of silicon, e.g., kaolin clay) and an entity that can act to link or bond the functionality and filler particles. In such compounds, the polymers exhibit enhanced interactivity with reinforcing silica particles.

In one aspect is provided a method of making a rubber composition. The rubber composition is provided by blending a polymer with either (1) filler particles that include oxides of silicon and bound residues of one or more compounds having the general formula

YR¹L  (I)

or (2) one or more formula I compounds and filler particles that include oxides of silicon. In formula I, Y is a group that includes a group that can react with the polymer functionality (specifically an OR-substituted aryl group or one of its oxidation products, described below); R¹ is a hydrocarbylene group (i.e., a divalent hydrocarbyl group); and L is a group that contains at least one Si—O bond. In option (1), L is covalently bonded to the filler particles while, in option (2), L is capable of forming covalent bonds with the filler particles. The polymer includes ethylenic unsaturation, typically provided from polyene mer, and pendent or terminal functionality that includes an aryl group including at least one, preferably two, OR substituents, with R being H or a hydrolyzable protecting group.

The method can include an additional step of allowing the polymer to react with bound residues of formula I compounds (in option (1) above) or the formula I compounds (in option (2) above) so as to result in one or more particles being covalently bonded to the polymer, i.e., through the radical or residue of the formula I compound. A representation of the structure of this polymer-particle compound is shown below in general formula VIII.

In another aspect is provided a rubber composition that includes a polymer and either (1) filler particles that include oxides of silicon and bound residues of one or more formula I compounds or (2) one or more formula I compounds and filler particles that include oxides of silicon. In the rubber composition, one or more particles can be attached to the polymer via the radical or residue of the formula I compound. The polymer has ethylenic unsaturation, typically provided from polyene mer, and pendent or terminal functionality that includes an aryl group including at least one, preferably two, OR substituents.

In the foregoing aspects, the polymer that includes ethylenic unsaturation and pendent or terminal functionality that includes an aryl group including at least one, preferably two, OR substituents (referred to herein as a “functionalizing unit”) can be provided in a variety of ways. First, the functionalizing unit can be provided from initiating compounds that have the general formula

R³ZQ-M  (II)

where M is an alkali metal atom; R³ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having at least one OR⁴ substituent group where each R⁴ is a hydrolyzable protecting group that also is nonreactive toward M; Z is a single bond or a substituted or unsubstituted alkylene (acyclic or cyclic) or arylene group; and Q is a group bonded to M through a C, N or Sn atom. The R³ aryl group can include a single aromatic ring (phenyl group) or two or more fused aromatic rings. Initiation with this type of functional initiator can result in a macromolecule that includes at least one polymer chain having terminal functionality defined by the general formula

-Q′ZR⁵  (III)

or a functionalized polymer defined by the general formula

κ-π-Q′ZR⁵  (IV)

where R⁵ is an aryl group that includes at least one OR substituent group, optionally including one or more other types of substituents; Z is defined as above; Q′ is the radical of Q, i.e., the residue of an initiating moiety bonded to the polymer chain through a C, N or Sn atom; π is a polymer chain; and K is a hydrogen atom or a functional group-containing radical generated by reaction of the polymer with a terminating compound. Where more than one OR group is present in R⁵, each can be on the same or different rings and, in certain embodiments, at least two OR substituents can be adjacent.

Where a functionalizing unit results from a monomer, the monomer can include an aryl group, preferably a phenyl group, that has at least one directly bonded OR group. The resulting polymer can include multiple mer resulting from incorporation of alkenes (A units) and at least two mer of the type just described (B units) which can be non-adjacent or can constitute a block within the polymer. If a block of B units is present, it can be relatively close to a terminus of the polymer, i.e., no more than six, four or two polymer chain atoms from a terminal unit. In other embodiments, one or more B units can be incorporated into the polymer, typically after polymerization of the other monomers has been accomplished, optionally followed by reaction with a compound which optionally can provide additional terminal functionality to the polymer. (This compound need not be of a type capable of providing the specific functionality shown below in formula V and, instead, can provide any of a variety of functionalities including inter alia those containing one or more heteroatoms.)

Where a functionalizing unit results from reaction of a reactive polymer with a terminating compound, that functionality can have the general formula

where Z′ is a single bond or an alkylene group; R⁵ is defined as above, preferably including at least two OR substituent groups; R⁶ is H, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group which optionally can include one or more hydrolyzable protecting groups, R′, or JR′ where J is O, S, or —NR′ (with each R′ independently being a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group); and Q″ is the residue of a functionality that is reactive with at least one type of reactive polymer but which itself is non-reactive toward such polymers.

In formulas III to V, the R⁵ aryl group can include a single aromatic ring (phenyl group) or two or more fused aromatic rings, and the protected hydrolyzable groups can be on the same or different rings of the aryl group although, in certain embodiments, the protected hydrolyzable groups advantageously can be bonded to adjacent ring C atoms. In formula V, R⁶ and a portion of R⁵ can be linked so that, together with one or more atoms of the Q″ group to which they are bonded (and optionally Z′), they form a ring that is bound to or fused with the R⁵ aryl group; examples include any of a variety of flavone- and anthrone-type structures which have one or more hydrolyzable protecting groups on at least one of the aryl groups. This is described in more detail below in connection with formula Vb.

In certain embodiments, the polyene(s) can be conjugated dienes. In these and other embodiments, the polymer also can include vinyl aromatic mer which preferably are incorporated substantially randomly with the conjugated diene mer along the polymer chain.

In each of the foregoing, the polymer can be substantially linear. In certain embodiments, the substantially linear polymer can include as a terminal moiety the radical of a compound that includes at least one aryl group having one or more substituent groups that provide hydroxyl groups upon hydrolysis.

Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan from the description of various embodiments that follows. In that description, the following definitions apply throughout unless the surrounding text explicitly indicates a contrary intention:

-   -   “polymer” means the polymerization product of one or more         monomers and is inclusive of homo-, co-, ter-, tetra-polymers,         etc.;     -   “mer” or “mer unit” means that portion of a polymer derived from         a single reactant molecule (e.g., ethylene mer has the general         formula —CH₂CH₂—);     -   “copolymer” means a polymer that includes mer units derived from         two reactants, typically monomers, and is inclusive of random,         block, segmented, graft, etc., copolymers;     -   “interpolymer” means a polymer that includes mer units derived         from at least two reactants, typically monomers, and is         inclusive of copolymers, terpolymers, tetra-polymers, and the         like;     -   “random interpolymer” means an interpolymer having mer units         derived from each type of constituent monomer incorporated in an         essentially non-repeating manner and being substantially free of         blocks, i.e., segments of three or more of the same mer;     -   “reactive polymer” means a polymer having at least one site         which, because of the presence of an associated catalyst or         initiator, readily reacts with other molecules, with the term         being inclusive of, inter alia, pseudo-living and carbanionic         polymers;     -   “catalyst composition” is a general term encompasses a simple         mixture of ingredients, a complex of various ingredients that is         caused by physical or chemical forces of attraction, a chemical         reaction product of some or all of the ingredients, or a         combination of the foregoing, the result of which is a         composition displaying catalytic activity with respect to one or         more monomers of the appropriate type;     -   “gum Mooney viscosity” is the Mooney viscosity of an uncured         polymer prior to addition of any filler(s);     -   “compound Mooney viscosity” is the Mooney viscosity of a         composition that includes, inter alia, an uncured or partially         cured polymer and particulate filler(s);     -   “substituted” means containing a heteroatom or functionality         (e.g., hydrocarbyl group) that does not interfere with the         intended purpose of the group in question;     -   “directly bonded” means covalently attached with no intervening         atoms or groups;     -   “polyene” means a molecule with at least two double bonds         located in the longest portion or chain thereof, and         specifically is inclusive of dienes, trienes, and the like;     -   “polydiene” means a polymer that includes mer units from one or         more dienes;     -   “phr” means parts by weight (pbw) per 100 pbw rubber;     -   “non-coordinating anion” means a sterically bulky anion that         does not form coordinate bonds with the active center of a         catalyst system due to steric hindrance;     -   “non-coordinating anion precursor” means a compound that is able         to form a non-coordinating anion under reaction conditions;     -   “radical” or “residue” means the portion of a molecule that         remains after reacting with another molecule, regardless of         whether any atoms are gained or lost as a result of the         reaction;     -   “bound residue” means a radical that is bonded to, adsorbed to,         absorbed to or otherwise strongly associated with the surface of         a particulate material;     -   “aryl group” means a phenyl group or a polycyclic aromatic         radical;     -   “terminus” means an end of a polymeric chain; and     -   “terminal moiety” means a group or functionality located at a         terminus.

Throughout this document, all values given in the form of percentages are weight percentages unless the surrounding text explicitly indicates a contrary intention. The relevant portions of any mentioned patent or patent publication is incorporated herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

As apparent from the foregoing Summary, the method can involve any of a variety of possible permutations or combinations thereof, and the resulting rubber compound or composition can be characterized in a variety of ways. Generally, a functionalized polymer of the composition includes mer derived from one or more polyenes, particularly dienes, and terminal functionality defined by either or both of formulas III and V and/or one or more of the aforedescribed B mer units. In at least certain embodiments, the polymer also can include directly bonded pendent aromatic groups.

The following describes the production and use of a polymer that includes multiple A mer, i.e., alkene units; optionally, multiple C mer, i.e., units that include a pendent aryl group, particularly a phenyl group; and, where at least some of the desired functionalization is to be derived from functional monomers, at least one B mer, i.e., a unit that includes a pendent aryl, preferably phenyl, group with at least one directly bonded OR group. Each of the A, B and C mer can result from incorporation of ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

The A mer typically result from incorporation of polyenes, particularly trienes (e.g., myrcene) and dienes, particularly C₄-C₁₂ dienes and even more particularly conjugated dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, 1,3-hexadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-ethyl-1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 3-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, isoprene, 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene, 2,4-hexadiene, and the like. Some or all of the A mer can be derived from one or more types of dienes, particularly one or more types of conjugated dienes, e.g., 1,3-butadiene. In some embodiments, essentially all (i.e., at least 95%) of the polyenes can be dienes, particularly conjugated dienes.

Polyenes can incorporate into polymeric chains in more than one way. Especially for tire tread applications, controlling this manner of incorporation can be desirable. A polymer chain with an overall 1,2-microstructure, given as a numerical percentage based on total number of polyene units, of from ˜10 to ˜80%, optionally from ˜25 to ˜65%, can be desirable for certain end use applications. A polymer that has an overall 1,2-microstructure of no more than ˜50%, preferably no more than ˜45%, more preferably no more than ˜40%, even more preferably no more than ˜35%, and most preferably no more than ˜30%, based on total polyene content, is considered to be substantially linear. For certain end use applications, keeping the content of 1,2-linkages even lower, e.g., to less than about 7%, less than 5%, less than 2%, or less than 1%, can be desirable.

Depending on the intended end use, one or more of the polymer chains can include pendent aryl groups (C mer) which can be provided from vinyl aromatics, particularly the C₈-C₂₀ vinyl aromatics such as, e.g., styrene, α-methyl styrene, p-methyl styrene, the vinyl toluenes, and the vinyl naphthalenes. When used in conjunction with one or more polyenes, C mer can constitute from ˜1 to ˜50%, from ˜10 to ˜45%, or from ˜20 to ˜40% of the polymer chain; random microstructure can provide particular benefit in some end use applications such as, e.g., rubber compositions used in the manufacture of tire treads. Where a block interpolymer is desired, C units can constitute from ˜1 to ˜90%, generally from ˜2 to ˜80%, commonly from ˜3 to ˜75%, and typically ˜5 to ˜70% of the polymer chain. (In this paragraph, all percentages are mole percentages.)

Exemplary interpolymers include those in which one or more conjugated dienes are used to provide the A units, i.e., polydienes; among these, 1,3-butadiene can be one of several or the only polydiene employed. Where C units are desired, they can be provided from styrene so as to provide, for example, SBR. In each of the foregoing types of exemplary interpolymers, one or more B units also can be incorporated.

B units include a pendent aryl group which includes one or more directly bonded hydroxyl groups. Because the H atoms of hydroxyl groups are active and can interfere with certain polymerization processes, the one or more B units typically are provided from compounds that include groups that are non-reactive in the types of conditions utilized when polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers but which later can be removed, typically by hydrolysis or similar reaction, so as to provide the desired hydroxyl groups. The particular type(s) of protecting group(s) employed should not interfere with the polymerization process, and the de-protection process employed to provide hydroxyl groups should not destroy or otherwise react with ethylenic unsaturation in the polymer resulting from the presence of A units. A non-limiting class of useful protecting groups is trialkylsiloxy groups, which can be provided by reacting hydroxyl groups with a trialkylsilyl halide. While the following examples employ tert-butyldimethylsiloxyl groups, others such as acetal, tert-butyl ether, 2-methoxyethoxy ether, and the like also can be used.

B units typically are provided from vinyl aromatic compounds that include one or more hydroxyl-producing groups directly attached to their aryl, typically phenyl, rings. Such compounds can be represented by the general formula

CH₂═CHR³  (VI)

where R³ is defined as above and which here can include from 1 to 5 inclusive OR⁴ groups with each R⁴ independently being the type of protecting group described above. (Although each R⁴ need not be identical, ease and simplicity typically result in a single type of R⁴ moiety being used in a given compound.) The OR⁴ groups can be substituents of the same ring of R³ or can be substituents of different rings and, where R³ contains three or more OR⁴ groups, two of them can be substituents of one ring with the other(s) being substituent(s) of other ring(s). In one embodiment, two OR⁴ groups can be at the 3 and 4 positions of the same ring within the aryl group, preferably a phenyl group. Where R³ is other than a phenyl group and includes more than one OR⁴ group and where the OR⁴ groups are on more than one ring, at least two of the OR⁴ groups preferably are least somewhat proximate, i.e., directly bonded to ring C atoms that are separated by no more than 4, preferably 3, and even more preferably 2, other ring atoms. Many of these compounds advantageously are soluble in the types of organic solvents set forth below.

The number of OR groups on the aryl, typically phenyl, group of each B unit need not be the same, where the number is the same, the OR groups need not be at the same position(s) on those rings. Using a phenyl group as a representative aryl group, relative to the point of attachment of the phenyl group to the polymer chain, a single OR group can be located ortho, meta, or para on the phenyl ring, while multiple OR groups can be provided 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, 3,5-, 3,6-, 2,3,4-, 2,3,5-, etc., on the phenyl ring.

When one or more formula VI-type compounds is polymerized, it/they provide the B unit(s), after which each of the R⁴ moieties can be hydrolyzed so as to provide phenolic hydroxyl groups.

The number of B units typically is small relative to the number of A units and, if present, C units; a relatively small number of B units has been found to provide a satisfactory level of desired properties, with further improvements in those properties not necessarily being proportional to the number of B units present. This relatively small number can be expressed in a number of ways. For example, the weight percentage of the final polymer attributable to B units commonly is less than 2%, more commonly from ˜0.1 to ˜1.5%, and typically from ˜0.2 to ˜1.0%. The percentage of B mer relative to the total number of mer in the polymer commonly is less than 1%, more commonly from ˜0.01 to ˜0.75%, and typically from ˜0.05 to ˜0.5%. The total number of B units in a given polymer generally is from 1 to several dozen, commonly from 1 to 12, more commonly from 1 to 10, and most commonly from 1 to 5.

The B units can be separated from one another, or two or more B units can be contiguous along the polymer chain. (While the ordinarily skilled artisan understands how to synthesize random and block interpolymers, each is discussed in some detail below.) Further, the B units can incorporated near the beginning of the polymerization, near the end of the polymerization, or at any one or more intermediate points; in the first two of the foregoing possibilities, a B unit can be provided within 6 chain atoms of, within 2 units of, adjacent to a terminus of the polymer, or as a terminal unit, either alone or as part of a block.

The foregoing types of polymers can be made by emulsion polymerization or solution polymerization, with the latter affording greater control with respect to such properties as randomness, microstructure, etc. Solution polymerizations have been performed for many decades, so the general aspects thereof are known to the ordinarily skilled artisan, so only certain general aspects are provided here for convenience of reference.

Both polar solvents, such as THF, and non-polar solvents can be employed in solution polymerizations, with the latter type being more common in industrial practice. Examples of non-polar solvents include various C₅-C₁₂ cyclic and acyclic alkanes as well as their alkylated derivatives, certain liquid aromatic compounds, and mixtures thereof. The ordinarily skilled artisan is aware of other useful solvent options and combinations.

Depending on the nature of the polymer desired, the particular conditions of the solution polymerization can vary significantly. In the discussion that follows, living polymerizations are described first followed by a description of pseudo-living polymerizations. After these descriptions, optional functionalization and processing of polymers so made are discussed.

Solution polymerization typically involves an initiator. Exemplary initiators include organolithium compounds, particularly alkyllithium compounds. Examples of organolithium initiators include N-lithio-hexamethyleneimine; n-butyllithium; tributyltin lithium; dialkylamino-lithium compounds such as dimethylaminolithium, diethylaminolithium, dipropylaminolithium, dibutylaminolithium and the like; dialkylaminoalkyllithium compounds such as diethylamino-propyllithium; and those trialkyl stanyl lithium compounds involving C₁-C₁₂, preferably C₁-C₄, alkyl groups.

Multifunctional initiators, i.e., initiators capable of forming polymers with more than one living end, also can be used. Examples of multifunctional initiators include, but are not limited to, 1,4-dilithiobutane, 1,10-dilithiodecane, 1,20-dilithioeicosane, 1,4-dilithiobenzene, 1,4-dilithionaphthalene, 1,10-dilithioanthracene, 1,2-dilithio-1,2-diphenylethane, 1,3,5-trilithio-pentane, 1,5,15-trilithioeicosane, 1,3,5-trilithiocyclohexane, 1,3,5,8-tetralithiodecane, 1,5,10,20-tetralithioeicosane, 1,2,4,6-tetralithiocyclohexane, and 4,4′-dilithiobiphenyl.

In addition to organolithium initiators, so-called functionalized initiators also can be useful. These become incorporated into the polymer chain, thus providing a functional group at the initiated end of the chain. Examples of such materials include lithiated aryl thioacetals (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,919) and the reaction products of organolithium compounds and, for example, N-containing organic compounds such as substituted aldimines, ketimines, secondary amines, etc., optionally pre-reacted with a compound such as diisopropenyl benzene (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,153,159 and 5,567,815). Use of a N atom-containing initiator such as, for example, lithiated HMI, can further enhance interactivity between the polymer chains and carbon black particles. Many of these functional initiators are poorly soluble in many of the solvents set forth above, particularly those solvents that are relatively non-polar.

In contradistinction, many compounds included in formula II exhibit acceptable solubility in the types of organic liquids commonly employed as solvents in solution polymerizations. Compounds included within this formula hereinafter are referred to as R³-containing initiators.

The aryl group of the R³-containing initiator can be a phenyl group or two or more fused aromatic rings. Where the R³ aryl group includes more than one OR⁴ group (with each R⁴ being nonreactive toward M), the OR⁴ groups can be substituents of the same ring or of different rings within the aryl group; where the aryl group contains three or more OR⁴ groups, two of them can be substituents of one ring with the other(s) being substituent(s) of other ring(s). In one embodiment, two OR⁴ groups can be at the 3 and 4 positions of the same ring within the aryl group, preferably a phenyl group. Where R³ is other than a phenyl group and includes more than one OR⁴ group and where the OR⁴ groups are on more than one ring, at least two of the OR⁴ groups preferably are at least somewhat proximate, i.e., directly bonded to ring C atoms that are separated by no more than 4, preferably 3, and even more preferably 2, other ring atoms. Where a single OR⁴ group is present on a phenyl group, it can be located at any ring position, with para from Z being one preferred configuration.

The R⁴ moieties of the R³-containing initiator ensure the R³ aryl group includes no active hydrogen atoms, which would interfere with the ability of the R³-containing initiator to anionically initiate polymerizations. Unless a particular R⁴ moiety constitutes a group capable of providing interactivity with particulate filler, it preferably also is capable of being hydrolyzed to a hydrogen atom. Trialkylsiloxy groups are a non-limiting example of the type of group that can serve these dual purposes; such groups can be provided by reacting hydroxyl groups attached to the R³ aryl group with a trialkylsilyl halide. Although each R⁴ need not be identical, ease and simplicity typically result in a single type of R⁴ moiety for a given R³-containing initiator.

When the R³-containing initiator initiates polymerization, its radical forms one end of a polymer chain (see formulas III and IV). The R⁴ moieties of this radical typically are hydrolyzed so as to provide hydroxyl substituents to the R⁵ group of formulas III and IV. This type of R⁵ group has been found to provide excellent interactivity with a wide variety of particulate fillers including carbon black and silica as well as non-conventional fillers such as inorganic oxides and hydroxides, clays and the like.

In the R³-containing initiator, M is an alkali metal atom (preferably a K, Na or Li atom, most preferably a Li atom), and Q is a group bonded to M through a C, N or Sn atom. Generally, Q does not contain any active hydrogen atoms, which would interfere with the efficacy of the R³-containing initiator. Potentially useful Q groups are too numerous for a comprehensive listing, but a few non-limiting examples can be provided; from these, the ordinarily skilled artisan can envision numerous other alternatives.

Thioacetals are one type of potentially useful Q group. These functionalities have the general formula

where R¹² is a C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, preferably a C₂-C₈ alkylene group, more preferably a C₃-C₆ group; X is selected from S, O and NR¹³ wherein R¹³ can be a C₁-C₆ trialkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₄-C₂₀ cycloalkyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group with the proviso that any of the following can be attached: C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups, C₆-C₂₀ aryl groups, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl groups, C₃-C₁₀ non-terminal alkynyl groups, ethers, tert-amines, phosphines, sulfides, silyls, and mixtures thereof. One preferred species includes an S atom as X and a C₃ alkylene group as R¹², i.e., a 1,3-dithiane. In certain aspects, Q can be a group that includes a heteroatom-substituted cyclic moiety adapted to bond to an alkali metal atom, such as Li. For additional information, the interested reader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,919.

Other potentially useful Q groups include SnR⁷ ₂ where each R⁷ independently is a hydrocarbyl (e.g., alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, etc.) group or both together form a cycloalkyl group, and NR⁸ where R⁸ is a hydrocarbyl group, particularly an aryl, a C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, or a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group; included among the latter are cycloalkyleneiminoalkyl-lithium compounds such as those described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,109. Also potentially useful as Q groups are any of a variety of linear or branched alkyl groups, non-limiting examples of which include butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, etc. All the foregoing initiators can be prepared from hydroxyl-substituted benzaldehydes through synthesis techniques described in detail in WO 2011/002930.

Compounds defined by formula II can be provided in a variety of ways, with the choice of synthetic route depending to a large extent on particular nature of Q. For example, a compound with multiple hydroxyl groups attached to an aryl group and at least one other functionality can react, through the other functionality, with a compound so as to provide a Q group; thereafter, the H atom(s) of the hydroxyl group(s) can be reacted with a compound that can provide the aforementioned R⁴ groups, and the resulting material can be reacted with an alkali metal-containing material, e.g., an organolithium. This type of synthetic approach is employed in example 34 of U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2010/0286348 to provide an exemplary dithiane-type initiator.

The R³-containing initiator can be made external to the polymerization vessel where it is to act as an initiator. In this case, a blend of monomer(s) and solvent can be charged to the reaction vessel, followed by addition of initiator, which often is added as part of a solution or blend (i.e., in a solvent carrier). For reasons of convenience, the R³-containing initiator typically is synthesized in situ.

Although the ordinarily skilled artisan understands the conditions typically employed in solution polymerization, a representative description is provided for ease of reference. The following is based on a batch process, although the ordinarily skilled artisan can adapt this description to, semi-batch, continuous, or other processes.

Solution polymerization typically begins by charging a blend of monomer(s) and solvent to a suitable reaction vessel, followed by addition of a coordinator (if used) and initiator, which often are added as part of a solution or blend; alternatively, monomer(s) and coordinator can be added to the initiator. Both randomization and vinyl content (i.e., 1,2-microstructure) can be increased through inclusion of a coordinator, usually a polar compound. Up to 90 or more equivalents of coordinator can be used per equivalent of initiator, with the amount depending on, for example, the amount of vinyl content desired, the level of non-polyene monomer employed, the reaction temperature, and nature of the specific coordinator employed. Compounds useful as coordinators include organic compounds that include a heteroatom having a non-bonded pair of electrons (e.g., O or N). Examples include dialkyl ethers of mono- and oligo-alkylene glycols; crown ethers; tertiary amines such as tetramethylethylene diamine; THF; THF oligomers; linear and cyclic oligomeric oxolanyl alkanes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,429,091) such as 2,2′-di(tetra-hydrofuryl) propane, di-piperidyl ethane, hexamethylphosphoramide, N,N′-dimethylpiperazine, diazabicyclooctane, diethyl ether, tributylamine, and the like.

Typically, a solution of polymerization solvent(s) and the monomer(s) is provided at a temperature of from about −80° to +100° C., more commonly from about −40° to +50° C., and typically from ˜0° to +30° C.; to this solution is added an initiating compound or, where a functionalizing unit is to be provided from the initiator, the R³-containing initiator (or its precursor with an organolithium, typically an alkyllithium). The solution can have a temperature of from about −70° to ˜150° C., more commonly from about −20° to ˜120° C., and typically from ˜10° to ˜100° C. The polymerization is allowed to proceed under anhydrous, anaerobic conditions for a period of time sufficient to result in the formation of the desired polymer, usually from ˜0.01 to ˜100 hours, more commonly from ˜0.08 to ˜48 hours, and typically from ˜0.15 to ˜2 hours. After a desired degree of conversion has been reached, the heat source (if used) can be removed and, if the reaction vessel is to be reserved solely for polymerizations, the reaction mixture is removed to a post-polymerization vessel for functionalization and/or quenching.

Polymers made according to anionic techniques generally have a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) of up to 500,000 Daltons. In certain embodiments, the M_(n) can be as low as 2000 Daltons; in these and/or other embodiments, the M_(n) advantageously can be at least 10,000 Daltons or can range from 50,000 to 250,000 Daltons or from 75,000 to 150,000 Daltons. Often, the M_(n) is such that a quenched sample exhibits a gum Mooney viscosity (ML₄/100° C.) of from ˜2 to ˜150, more commonly from ˜2.5 to ˜125, even more commonly from ˜5 to ˜100, and most commonly from ˜10 to ˜75.

Certain end use applications call for polymers that have properties that can be difficult or inefficient to achieve via anionic (living) polymerizations. For example, in some applications, conjugated diene polymers having high cis-1,4-linkage contents can be desirable. Polydienes can be prepared by processes using catalysts (as opposed to the initiators employed in living polymerizations) and may display pseudo-living characteristics.

Certain types of catalyst systems are known to be useful in producing very stereospecific 1,4-polydienes from conjugated diene monomers. Some catalyst systems preferentially result in cis-1,4-polydienes, while others preferentially provide trans-1,4-polydienes, and the ordinarily skilled artisan is familiar with examples of each type. The following description is based on a particular cis-specific catalyst system, although this merely is for sake of example and is not considered to be limiting to the functionalizing method and compounds.

Exemplary catalyst systems can employ lanthanide metals, which are known to be useful for polymerizing conjugated diene monomers. Specifically, catalyst systems that include a lanthanide compound can be used to provide cis-1,4-polydienes from one or more types of conjugated dienes. Preferred lanthanide-based catalyst compositions include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,813 and patent documents cited therein. A condensed description is provided here for convenience and ease of reference.

Exemplary lanthanide catalyst compositions include (a) a lanthanide compound, an alkylating agent and a halogen-containing compound (although use of a halogen-containing compound is optional when the lanthanide compound and/or the alkylating agent contains a halogen atom); (b) a lanthanide compound and an aluminoxane; or (c) a lanthanide compound, an alkylating agent, and a non-coordinating anion or precursor thereof.

Various lanthanide compounds or mixtures thereof can be employed, with preference given to those which are soluble in aromatic, aliphatic, and/or cycloaliphatic liquids, although hydrocarbon-insoluble lanthanide compounds can be suspended in the polymerization medium. Preferred lanthanide compounds include those which include at least one Nd, La, or Sm atom or those including didymium. The lanthanide atom(s) in the lanthanide compounds can be in any of a number of oxidation states, although the +3 oxidation state is most common. Exemplary lanthanide compounds include carboxylates, organophosphates, organophosphonates, organophosphinates, xanthates, carbamates, dithiocarbamates, β-diketonates, alkoxides, aryloxides, halides, pseudo-halides, oxyhalides, etc.

Typically, the lanthanide compound is used in conjunction with one or more alkylating agents, i.e., organometallic compounds that can transfer hydrocarbyl groups to another metal. These agents typically are organometallic compounds of electropositive metals such as Groups 1, 2, and 3 metals. Exemplary alkylating agents include organoaluminum compounds and organomagnesium compounds. The former include (1) compounds having the general formula AlR⁹ _(x)X′_(3-x) where x is an integer of from 1 to 3 inclusive, each R⁹ independently is a monovalent organic group (which may contain heteroatoms such as N, O, B, Si, S, P, and the like) connected to the Al atom via a C atom and each X′ independently is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a carboxylate group, an alkoxide group, or an aryloxide group; and (2) oligomeric linear or cyclic aluminoxanes, which can be made by reacting trihydrocarbylaluminum compounds with water. The latter include compounds having the general formula MgR¹⁰ _(y)X′_(2-y) where X′ is defined as above, y is an integer of from 1 to 2 inclusive, and R¹⁰ is the same as R⁹ except that each monovalent organic group is connected to the Mg atom via a C atom.

Some catalyst compositions contain compounds with one or more labile halogen atoms. Useful halogen-containing compounds include elemental halogens, mixed halogens, hydrogen halides, organic halides, inorganic halides, metallic halides, organometallic halides, and mixtures thereof. The halogen-containing compounds preferably are soluble in solvents such as those described above with respect to lanthanide compounds, although hydrocarbon-insoluble compounds can be suspended in the polymerization medium.

Other catalyst compositions contain a non-coordinating anion or a non-coordinating anion precursor. Exemplary non-coordinating anions include tetraarylborate anions, particularly fluorinated tetraarylborate anions, and ionic compounds containing non-coordinating anions and a counteraction (e.g., triphenylcarbonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate). Exemplary non-coordinating anion precursors include boron compounds that include strong electron-withdrawing groups.

Catalyst compositions of this type have very high catalytic activity for polymerizing conjugated dienes into stereospecific polydienes over a wide range of concentrations and ratios, although polymers having the most desirable properties typically are obtained from systems that employ a relatively narrow range of concentrations and ratios of ingredients. Further, the catalyst ingredients are believed to interact to form an active catalyst species, so the optimum concentration for any one ingredient can depend on the concentrations of the other ingredients. The following molar ratios are considered to be relatively exemplary for a variety of different systems based on the foregoing ingredients:

-   -   alkylating agent to lanthanide compound (alkylating agent/Ln):         from ˜1:1 to 200:1, preferably from ˜2:1 to ˜100:1, more         preferably from ˜5:1 to ˜50:1;     -   halogen-containing compound to lanthanide compound (halogen         atom/Ln): from ˜1:2 to ˜20:1, preferably from ˜1:1 to ˜10:1,         more preferably from ˜2:1 to ˜6:1;     -   aluminoxane to lanthanide compound, specifically equivalents of         aluminum atoms on the aluminoxane to equivalents of lanthanide         atoms in the lanthanide compound (Al/Ln): from ˜10:1 to         ˜50,000:1, preferably from ˜75:1 to ˜30,000:1, more preferably         from ˜100:1 to ˜1,000:1; and     -   non-coordinating anion or precursor to lanthanide compound         (An/Ln): from ˜1:2 to ˜20:1, preferably from ˜3:4 to ˜10:1, more         preferably from ˜1:1 to ˜6:1.

The molecular weight of polydienes produced with lanthanide-based catalysts can be controlled by adjusting the amount of catalyst and/or the amounts of co-catalyst concentrations within the catalyst system. In general, increasing the catalyst and co-catalyst concentrations reduces the molecular weight of resulting polydienes, although very low molecular weight polydienes (e.g., liquid polydienes) require extremely high catalyst concentrations which necessitates removal of catalyst residues from the polymer to avoid adverse effects such as retardation of the sulfur cure rate. Including one or more Ni-containing compounds to lanthanide-based catalyst compositions advantageously permits easy regulation of the molecular weight of the resulting polydiene without significant negative effects on catalyst activity and polymer microstructure. Various Ni-containing compounds or mixtures thereof can be employed, with preference given to those which are soluble in hydrocarbon solvents such as those set forth above.

The Ni atom in the Ni-containing compounds can be in any of a number of oxidation states, although divalent Ni compounds, where the Ni atom is in the +2 oxidation state, generally are preferred. Exemplary Ni compounds include carboxylates, organophosphates, organophosphonates, organophosphinates, xanthates, carbamates, dithiocarbamates, β-diketonates, alkoxides, aryloxides, halides, pseudo-halides, oxyhalides, organonickel compounds (i.e., compounds containing at least one C—Ni bond such as, for example, nickelocene, decamethyl-nickelocene, etc.), and the like.

The molar ratio of the Ni-containing compound to the lanthanide compound (Ni/Ln) generally ranges from ˜1:1000 to ˜1:1, preferably from ˜1:200 to ˜1:2, and more preferably from ˜1:100 to ˜1:5.

These types of catalyst compositions can be formed using any of the following methods:

-   -   (1) In situ. The catalyst ingredients are added to a solution         containing monomer and solvent (or simply bulk monomer). The         addition can occur in a stepwise or simultaneous manner. In the         case of the latter, the alkylating agent preferably is added         first followed by, in order, the lanthanide compound, the         nickel-containing compound (if used), and (if used) the         halogen-containing compound or the non-coordinating anion or         non-coordinating anion precursor.     -   (2) Pre-mixed. The ingredients can be mixed outside the         polymerization system, generally at a temperature of from about         −20° to ˜80° C., before being introduced to the conjugated diene         monomer(s).     -   (3) Pre-formed in the presence of monomer(s). The catalyst         ingredients are mixed in the presence of a small amount of         conjugated diene monomer(s) at a temperature of from about −20°         to ˜80° C. The amount of conjugated diene monomer can range from         ˜1 to ˜500 moles, preferably from ˜5 to ˜250 moles, and more         preferably from ˜10 to ˜100 moles, per mole of the lanthanide         compound. The resulting catalyst composition is added to the         remainder of the conjugated diene monomer(s) to be polymerized.     -   (4) Two-stage procedure.         -   (a) The alkylating agent is combined with the lanthanide             compound in the absence of conjugated diene monomer, or in             the presence of a small amount of conjugated diene monomer,             at a temperature of from about −20° to ˜80° C.         -   (b) The foregoing mixture and the remaining components are             charged in either a stepwise or simultaneous manner to the             remainder of the conjugated diene monomer(s) to be             polymerized.

(The Ni-containing compound, if used, can be included in either stage.)

When a solution of one or more of the catalyst ingredients is prepared outside the polymerization system in the foregoing methods, an organic solvent or carrier is preferably employed. Useful organic solvents include those mentioned previously.

The production of cis-1,4-polydiene is accomplished by polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition. The total catalyst concentration to be employed in the polymerization mass depends on the interplay of various factors such as the purity of the ingredients, the polymerization temperature, the polymerization rate and conversion desired, the molecular weight desired, and many other factors; accordingly, a specific total catalyst concentration cannot be definitively set forth except to say that catalytically effective amounts of the respective catalyst ingredients should be used. The amount of the lanthanide compound used generally ranges from ˜0.01 to ˜2 mmol, preferably from ˜0.02 to ˜1 mmol, and more preferably from ˜0.03 to ˜0.5 mmol per 100 g conjugated diene monomer. All other ingredients generally are added in amounts that are based on the amount of lanthanide compound (see the various ratios set forth previously).

Polymerization preferably is carried out in an organic solvent, i.e., as a solution or precipitation polymerization where the monomer is in a condensed phase. The catalyst ingredients preferably are solubilized or suspended within the organic liquid. The amount (wt. %) of monomer present in the polymerization medium at the beginning of the polymerization generally ranges from ˜3 to ˜80%, preferably ˜5 to ˜50%, and more preferably ˜10% to ˜30%. (Polymerization also can be carried out by means of bulk polymerization conducted either in a condensed liquid phase or in a gas phase.)

Regardless of whether a batch, continuous, or semi-continuous process is employed, the polymerization preferably is conducted with moderate to vigorous agitation under anaerobic conditions provided by an inert protective gas. The polymerization temperature may vary widely, although typically a temperature of from ˜20° to ˜90° C. is employed; heat can be removed by external cooling and/or cooling by evaporation of the monomer or the solvent. The polymerization pressure employed may vary widely, although typically a pressure of from about 0.1 to about 1 MPa is employed.

Where 1,3-butadiene is polymerized, the cis-1,4-polybutadiene generally has a M_(n), as determined by GPC using polystyrene standards, of from ˜5000 to ˜200,000 Daltons, from 25,000 to ˜150,000 Daltons, or from ˜50,000 to ˜125,000 Daltons. The polydispersity of the polymers generally ranges from ˜1.5 to ˜5.0, typically from ˜2.0 to ˜4.0.

Resulting polydienes advantageously can have a cis-1,4-linkage content of at least ˜60%, at least ˜75%, at least ˜90%, and even at least ˜95%, and a 1,2-linkage content of less than ˜7%, less than ˜5%, less than ˜2%, and even less than ˜1%.

Regardless of the type of polymerization process employed, at this point the reaction mixture commonly is referred to as a “polymer cement” because of its relatively high concentration of polymer.

Providing a terminal functionality of the type set forth above in formula V can be achieved by functionalizing the polymer prior to quenching, advantageously when it is in the above-described polymer cement state. One method of effecting this functionalization involves introducing to the polymer cement one or more aromatic compounds that include a group capable of reacting with terminally active polymers as well as one or more hydroxyl groups or hydrolyzable groups (i.e., one or more OR substituents) and allowing such compound(s) to react at a terminus of a reactive polymer chain. This type of compound hereinafter is referred to as a terminating compound.

Where the terminating compound includes more than one OR substituent, each can be on the same ring of the aryl group, or two or more can be on different rings within the aryl group. Where the aryl group contains three or more OR substituents, all of them can be on the same ring, two of them can be on one ring with the other(s) being on other ring(s), or each of them can be on separate rings.

A preferred group of terminating compounds include those with an aryl group having at least two OR substituents and, among these, preferred are those where at least two of the OR substituents are on the same ring of the aryl group. Among the latter, particularly preferred are those with OR substituents at the 3 and 4 positions of the same ring within the aryl group, preferably a phenyl group.

Examples of compounds that can be used to provide functionality such as that shown in formula V include those defined by formulas VIIa-VIIg from U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2010/0286348. In the terminal functionality represented by formula V, R⁶ and a portion of R⁵ can be linked so that, together with the atom(s) to which each is attached (directly or indirectly), they form a ring that is bound to or fused with the R⁵ aryl group; this can be represented pictorially by the general formula

where each variable is described as above. These formulas are to be considered exemplary and not limiting. Not specifically shown in these but included within the scope of useful compounds are those having aryl groups other than phenyl groups, those having aryl groups not directly bonded to the carbonyl C atom, those with the carbonyl C atom bonded to an S atom rather than O (i.e., thioketo analogs), those where Z′ is other than a single bond, and the like. Where R⁵ is other than a phenyl group, the hydroxyl substituent groups can be on the same or different rings; when they are on more than one ring, it is preferred that they be at least somewhat proximate, i.e., that they be directly bonded to ring C atoms that are separated by no more than 4, preferably 3, and even more preferably 2, other ring atoms.

As suggested above, the compound itself need not include hydroxyl groups and, instead, can include groups that are easily hydrolyzable so as to provide hydroxyl groups after reaction. Protected compounds generally have structures similar to those of formulas VIIa-VIIg from U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2010/0286348 with OR⁴ groups in place of some or all of the OH groups; see, e.g., formula VIII from U.S. Pat. Publ. No. 2010/0286348.

Each of the compounds just discussed include a carbonyl group. Carbonyl groups provide convenient points for reaction with and attachment to carbanionic polymer chains. Non-limiting examples of other potentially useful reactive groups include aldehyde, (thio)ketone, (thio)ester, di(thio)ester, amide, epoxy, halosilane, and the like.

Reaction of these types of compound with a pre-made reactive polymer can be performed relatively quickly (a few minutes to a few hours) at moderate temperatures (e.g., 0° to 75° C.).

The amount of such compounds to be reacted with pre-made reactive polymers can vary widely, depending significantly on the degree of desired effect, the amount of non-conventional filler(s) employed, the ratio of conventional-to-non-conventional filler particles, and the like. Based on the amount of reactive polymer chains (generally determined based on the equivalents of initiator or catalyst), the amount of terminating compounds capable of providing a formula V-type functionality can range from ˜1:10 to ˜5:4, generally from ˜1:5 to ˜9:8, and typically from ˜1:2 to ˜1:1.

Lesser amounts of terminating compounds of the type just described can be employed in certain embodiments so as to preserve some reactive polymer terminals for reaction with other functionalizing agents, which can be added before, after, or with the compounds just discussed; this type of multiple functionalization can be avoided, at least to some extent, through use of functional initiators as discussed previously. Also, at least some embodiments of polymers having functionalities defined by formulas V and Vb, as well as protected analogs, can exhibit excellent interactivity with carbon black and silica, thereby avoiding the need for multiple functionalization reactions.

Where the foregoing type of terminating compound is not employed but the macromolecule includes at least one functionalizing unit resulting from either or both of the initiator and a formula VI-type monomer, additional functionalization can result from termination with a heteroatom-containing compound including, but not limited to, Sn, Si, and N. Specific examples of alternative or additional terminating compounds include 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, 3-bis(trimethylsilyl)aminopropyl-methyldiethoxysilane, as well as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,109,871, 4,647,625, 4,677,153, 5,109,907, and 6,977,281, and references cited in, and later publications citing, these patents.

At this point, the resulting polymer includes one or more types of polyene mer and at least one functionalizing unit which includes an aryl group having at least one directly bonded OR substituent. The functionalizing unit(s) can be derived from the initiating compound, the monomer(s), or a terminating compound. In certain aspects, more than one of the functionalizing units can be incorporated, and these can result from multiple mer, from an initiator plus one or more mer, a terminating group plus one or more mer, or from all three. For reasons not completely understood, a polymer with formula V-type terminal functionality might maximize beneficial properties, both in type and degree, in at least some types of rubber compositions.

The identity of the R moiety of the substituent (i.e., whether it is a H atom or a protecting group) depends on the origin of the unit of which it is a part. Units derived from an initiator and/or monomers will have OR⁴ groups while units derived from a terminating compound can have OR groups. Ensuring that most, preferably all, protecting groups are converted to H atoms typically is desirable so as to promote maximum interactivity with filler particles (when the polymer is used as part of a rubber composition). The processing steps (including quenching) described below can be sufficient to hydrolyze at least some of the protecting groups, thereby providing one or more hydroxyl substituents to one or more aryl groups within polymer. Alternatively, a separate reaction step designed to promote extensive, preferably complete, hydrolysis can be employed; from the exemplary technique employed in several of the examples below, the ordinarily skilled artisan can envision other potentially effective reactions. Further, the ordinarily skilled artisan understands that OR groups, regardless of where present, may undergo further reaction during this processing and/or compounding with one or more types of particulate fillers (described below).

Quenching can be conducted by stirring the polymer and an active hydrogen-containing compound, such as an alcohol or acid, for up to ˜120 minutes at temperatures of from ˜25° to ˜150° C.

Solvent can be removed from the quenched polymer cement by conventional techniques such as drum drying, extruder drying, vacuum drying or the like, which may be combined with coagulation with water, alcohol or steam, thermal desolvation, etc.; if coagulation is performed, oven drying may be desirable.

Resistance to cold flow is one way in which rubbery (elastomeric) polymers sometimes are characterized. Samples can be prepared by melt pressing 2.5 g of polymer at 100° C. for 20 minutes in a mold using a preheated press; resulting cylindrical samples, which have a uniform thickness (commonly ˜12 mm) are allowed to cool to room temperature before being removed from the mold. Samples are placed individually under a calibrated weight (commonly 5 kg) in a Scott™ tester. Tests are conducted for a set amount of time starting from the point that the weight is released (commonly ˜30 min. for SBR samples and ˜8 min. for polybutadiene samples), with sample thicknesses being recorded as a function of time. Sample thickness at the conclusion of the appropriate time generally is considered to be an acceptable indicator of cold flow resistance.

The resulting polymer can be utilized in a tread stock compound or can be blended with any conventionally employed tread stock rubber including natural rubber and/or non-functionalized synthetic rubbers such as, e.g., one or more of homo- and interpolymers that include just polyene-derived mer units (e.g., poly(butadiene), poly(isoprene), and copolymers incorporating butadiene, isoprene, and the like), SBR, butyl rubber, neoprene, EPR, EPDM, NBR, silicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, ethylene/acrylic rubber, EVA, epichlorohydrin rubbers, chlorinated polyethylene rubbers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubbers, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, tetrafluoroethylene/propylene rubber and the like. When a functionalized polymer(s) is blended with conventional rubber(s), the amounts can vary from about 5 to about 99% of the total rubber, with the conventional rubber(s) making up the balance of the total rubber. The minimum amount depends to a significant extent on the degree of hysteresis reduction desired.

Elastomeric compounds typically are filled to a volume fraction, which is the total volume of filler(s) added divided by the total volume of the elastomeric stock, of ˜25%; accordingly, typical (combined) amounts of reinforcing fillers is ˜30 to 100 phr.

Potentially useful carbon black materials include, but not limited to, furnace blacks, channel blacks and lamp blacks. More specifically, examples of the carbon blacks include super abrasion furnace blacks, high abrasion furnace blacks, fast extrusion furnace blacks, fine furnace blacks, intermediate super abrasion furnace blacks, semi-reinforcing furnace blacks, medium processing channel blacks, hard processing channel blacks, conducting channel blacks, and acetylene blacks; mixtures of two or more of these can be used. Carbon blacks having a surface area (EMSA) of at least 20 m²/g, preferably at least ˜35 m²/g, are preferred; surface area values can be determined by ASTM D-1765. The carbon blacks may be in pelletized form or an unpelletized flocculent mass, although unpelletized carbon black can be preferred for use in certain mixers.

The amount of carbon black utilized historically has been up to ˜50 phr, with ˜5 to ˜40 phr being typical. For certain oil-extended formulations, the amount of carbon black has been even higher, e.g., on the order of ˜80 phr.

Amorphous silica (SiO₂) also commonly is used as a filler. Silicas typically are produced by a chemical reaction in water, from which they are precipitated as ultrafine, spherical particles which strongly associate into aggregates and, in turn, combine less strongly into agglomerates. Surface area gives a reliable measure of the reinforcing character of different silicas, with BET (see; Brunauer et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., vol. 60, p. 309 et seq.) surface areas of less than 450 m²/g, commonly between ˜32 to ˜400 m²/g, and typically ˜100 to ˜250 m²/g, generally being considered useful. Commercial suppliers of silica include PPG Industries, Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Grace Davison (Baltimore, Md.), Degussa Corp. (Parsippany, N.J.), Rhodia Silica Systems (Cranbury, N.J.), and J.M. Huber Corp. (Edison, N.J.).

Aggregate particles are intended to provide the properties of two types of fillers, particularly carbon black and silica, in a single type of particle; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,197,274, 6,541,113, 7,199,176 and the like. Formation of in situ synthesized siliceous fillers also is known; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,172,138, 6,359,034 and the like. Several clays, including kaolin, include oxides of silicon as part of their compositions, regardless of whether the physical form of the clay is particulate or something else. These are three examples of fillers which include oxides of silicon but which, in the strictest sense, are not silica. These alternative types of silicon-containing fillers also can be used in rubber compositions according to the present invention.

When silica or other silicon-containing filler is employed in a rubber compound or composition, addition of a coupling agent such as a silane is customary so as to ensure good mixing in, and interaction with, the elastomer(s). Generally, relative to the weight of silicon-containing filler present in the compound, the amount of added silane(s) can be as high as ˜20%, typically between ˜0.5 and ˜15% and, in the case of passenger vehicle tire treads, commonly less than 12% or even less than 10%, with all of the foregoing percentages being w/w. Minimum amounts of silane(s) generally depend on the lowest amount of coupling effect deemed acceptable; this amount often ranges from ˜1 to 7%, commonly from ˜1.5 to ˜5% and typically from ˜2 to ˜4%. (Ranges formed by combining the foregoing lower and upper amounts also are envisioned.)

Silane coupling agents commonly employed in rubber compositions have the general formula A′-T-G in which A′ represents a functional group capable of bonding physically and/or chemically with a group on the surface of the silica filler (e.g., surface silanol groups); T represents a hydrocarbon group linkage; and G represents a functional group capable of bonding or reacting with the polymeric chain of the elastomer, typically a sulfur-containing group that can react with unsaturation in the polymer chain. Such coupling agents include organosilanes, in particular polysulfurized alkoxysilanes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,873,489, 3,978,103, 3,997,581, 4,002,594, 5,580,919, 5,583,245, 5,663,396, 5,684,171, 5,684,172, 5,696,197, etc.) or polyorganosiloxanes bearing the G and A′ functionalities mentioned above. Commercially available examples of such materials include bis-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulfide (Si 69™) and bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)polysulfide (Si 75™), both available from Evonik Degussa GmbH.

The foregoing conventional silane, i.e., ones designed to link silica to a polymer via unsaturation in its chain, can be replaced in part or, at times preferably, in whole by one or more compounds defined by formula I. The latter generally can be understood as linking the silica particles (as well as other types of silicon-containing fillers) to functionalized polymers through the OR-substituted aryl moieties or an oxidation product thereof, particularly those at a terminus of the polymer, as opposed to a part of the polymer chain.

In formula I, Y represents a group which is capable of covalently bonding to a functionalizing unit or an oxidation product thereof. Examples include nitrile, isocyanate, aldehyde and ketone groups, as well as active hydrogen atom-containing groups including but not necessarily limited to hydroxyl, thiol, and primary or secondary amines. The amino alternatives can be represented as —NHR² where R² is H or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group, typically a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group. Non-limiting examples of substituted hydrocarbyl groups include —(CH₂)_(z)NR² ₂, —(CH₂)_(z)NH(CH₂)_(z)NR² ₂, —(CH₂)_(z)L (with L being defined as below), —(CH₂)_(z)NH(CH₂)_(z)L, and the like, with z being an integer of from 1 to 12, preferably 1 to 6, and most preferably 1 to 3. Formula I compounds where Y is a thiol or amine group can be preferred in certain embodiments.

In formula I, L represents a silicon atom-containing group, more specifically, a group that contains at least one silicon-to-oxygen (Si—O) bond. The L group often can contain two or even three Si—O bonds, i.e., a silicon atom bonded to multiple oxygen atoms. Where the silicon atom of the L group is not bonded to three oxygen atoms, the Si atom typically will be bonded to one or two hydrocarbyl groups (including cyclic groups, which involve the Si atom being bonded to each of the opposite ends of the hydrocarbyl group). Non limiting examples of representative L groups include

where R² is as defined above, with each R² preferably being H; R″ is a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group such as an aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, alkenaryl, aralkenyl, alkaryl, or aralkyl group, often a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; m is 1 or 2; and n is an integer of from 2 to 5 inclusive, typically 2 or 3.

The R¹ group in formula I is a hydrocarbylene that acts to link the Y and L groups. While R¹ can be an arylene, alkylene, alkenylene, alkenarylene, aralkenylene, alkarylene, or aralkylene group, an alkylene group with less than 12, or even less than 10, carbon atoms can be desirable for steric reasons.

Exemplary formula I-type compounds include aminosilanes such as aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 4-aminobutyltriethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltris-(methoxyethoxyethoxy)silane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminomethyltrimethoxysilane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-11-aminoundecyltrimethoxysilane, m-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, p-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, (aminoethylaminomethyl)-phenethyltrimethoxysilane, N-3-[amino(polypropylenoxy)]aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, (3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine, and 3-thiocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane. Preferred for at least some application are those formula I-type compounds that include at least one primary amino group, regardless of whether it is directly attached to the R¹ group or linked through some other atoms.

As an alternative to adding a formula I-type silane as a separate component, the rubber composition can employ filler particles that include oxides of silicon (e.g., silica) with bound residues of one or more formula I-type compounds. In these functionalized particles, the silicon atom from the formula I-type compound forms one or more Si—O bonds with functional groups on the surface of the filler particle so as to link the formula I-type compound to the particle. The other end of the formula I-type compound residue (i.e., the Y end) remains available for covalently bonding with OR moieties (or oxidized variants) from the functionalized polymer. Non-limiting examples of commercially available functionalized filler particles include Ciptane™ I γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane-treated (˜3% (by wt.)) silica (PPG Industries; Monroeville, Pa.), Nulok™ 390 aminosilane-treated kaolin clay (KaMin LLC; Macon, Ga.), Nylok™ 171 aminosilane-treated kaolin clay (KaMin LLC), Nucap™ 190W sulfur-functional, silane-treated kaolin clay (KaMin LLC).

Regardless of whether a formula I-type compound is added as a separate component or provided as a bound residue of the particulate material, the resulting polymer-particle compound can be represented by the general formula

π*-I*-ρ  (VIII)

where π* represents a functionalizing unit-containing polymer, ρ represents a filler particle that includes one or more oxides of silicon, and I* represents a radical of a formula I compound bonded to each of π* and ρ.

Addition of a processing aid can be used to reduce the amount of silane employed; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,118 for a description of fatty acid esters of sugars used as processing aids. Additional fillers useful as processing aids include mineral fillers, such as clay (hydrous aluminum silicate), talc (hydrous magnesium silicate), and mica as well as non-mineral fillers such as urea and sodium sulfate. Preferred micas contain principally alumina, silica and potash, although other variants also can be useful. Processing aids can be utilized in an amount of up to ˜40 phr, typically up to ˜20 phr.

Silica, alone or as a portion of a blend of silicon-containing fillers, commonly is employed in amounts of up to ˜150 phr, commonly from ˜5 to ˜90 phr, typically from ˜7 to −85. The useful upper range is limited by the high viscosity that such fillers can impart. When carbon black also is used, the amount of silica can be decreased to as low as ˜1 phr; as the amount of silica decreases, lesser amounts of the processing aids, plus silane if any, can be employed.

One or more non-conventional fillers having relatively high interfacial free energies, i.e., surface free energy in water values (γ_(pl)) can be used in conjunction with or in place of at least a portion of the carbon black and/or silica. The term “relatively high” can be defined or characterized in a variety of ways such as, e.g., greater than that of the water-air interface, preferably several multiples (e.g., at least 2×, at least 3× or even at least 4×) of this value; at least several multiples (e.g., at least 2×, at least 3×, at least 4×, at least 5×, at least 6×, at least 7×, at least 8×, at least 9× or even at least 10×) of the γ_(pl) value for amorphous silica; in absolute terms such as, e.g., at least ˜300, at least ˜400, at least ˜500, at least ˜600, at least ˜700, at least ˜750, at least ˜1000, at least ˜1500, and at least ˜2000 mJ/m²; in ranges such as, e.g., from ˜300 to 5000 mJ/m², from ˜350 to ˜4000 mJ/m², from ˜400 to ˜5000 mJ/m², from ˜450 to ˜4000 mJ/m², from ˜500 to ˜5000 mJ/m², and various sub-ranges within the foregoing and/or other combinations of high and low values; and the like.

Non-limiting examples of naturally occurring materials with relatively high interfacial free energies include F-apatite, goethite, hematite, zincite, tenorite, gibbsite, quartz, kaolinite, all forms of pyrite, and the like. Certain synthetic complex oxides also can exhibit this type of high interfacial free energy.

The foregoing types of materials typically are more dense than either carbon black or amorphous silica; thus, replacing a particular mass of carbon black or silica with an equal mass of a non-conventional filler typically will result in a much smaller volume of overall filler being present in a given compound. Accordingly, replacement typically is made on an equal volume, as opposed to equal weight, basis.

Generally, ˜5 to ˜60% of the conventional particulate filler material(s) can be replaced with an approximately equivalent (˜0.8× to ˜1.2×) volume of non-conventional filler particles. In certain embodiments, replacing ˜10 to ˜58% of the conventional particulate filler material(s) with an approximately equivalent (˜0.85× to ˜1.15×) volume of other filler particles is sufficient; in other embodiments, replacing ˜15 to ˜55% of the conventional particulate filler material(s) with an approximately equivalent (˜0.9× to ˜1.1×) volume of other filler particles is adequate; in still other embodiments, replacing ˜18 to ˜53% of the conventional particulate filler material(s) with an approximately equivalent (˜0.95× to ˜1.05×) volume of other filler particles can be preferable.

The weight inequality issue might be able to be overcome or ameliorated by employing non-standard particles. For example, one can envision essentially hollow particles of one or more types of non-conventional fillers as well as relatively light particles coated so as to have a surface that includes one or more of types of non-conventional filler compounds.

The non-conventional filler particles generally can be of approximately the same size as the conventional fillers employed in compounds. In general, relatively small particles are preferred both for reinforcement purposes and to ensure a large number of particles are available at the tread surface.

Other conventional rubber additives also can be added. These include, for example, process oils, plasticizers, anti-degradants such as antioxidants and antiozonants, curing agents and the like.

All ingredients can be mixed with standard equipment such as, e.g., Banbury or Brabender mixers. Typically, mixing occurs in two or more stages. During the first stage (also known as the masterbatch stage), mixing typically is begun at temperatures of ˜120° to ˜130° C. and increases until a so-called drop temperature, typically ˜165° C., is reached.

Where a formulation includes fillers other than carbon black, a separate re-mill stage often is employed for separate addition of the silane component(s). This stage often is performed at temperatures similar to, although often slightly lower than, those employed in the masterbatch stage, i.e., ramping from ˜90° C. to a drop temperature of ˜150° C. Use of a re-mill stage, while common, is not required, and the formula I-type compound(s) can be introduced during either the masterbatch stage or re-mill stage. Some types of silanes permit mixing at temperatures as high as 170°-180° C., which may allow one or more of the foregoing stages to be omitted.

Reinforced rubber compounds conventionally are cured with about 0.2 to about 5 phr of one or more known vulcanizing agents such as, for example, sulfur or peroxide-based curing systems. For a general disclosure of suitable vulcanizing agents, the interested reader is directed to an overview such as that provided in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chem. Tech., 3d ed., (Wiley Interscience, New York, 1982), vol. 20, pp. 365-468. Vulcanizing agents, accelerators, etc., are added at a final mixing stage. To avoid undesirable scorching and/or premature onset of vulcanization, this mixing step often is done at lower temperatures, e.g., starting at ˜60° to ˜65° C. and not going higher than ˜105° to ˜110° C.

Subsequently, the compounded mixture is processed (e.g., milled) into sheets prior to being formed into any of a variety of components and then vulcanized, which typically occurs at ˜5° to ˜15° C. higher than the highest temperatures employed during the mixing stages, most commonly ˜170° C. Depending on particular components and conditions, vulcanization typically is performed at a temperature of from ˜140° to ˜170° C.

Certain tests have come to be recognized as correlating certain physical properties of vulcanizates with performance of products, particularly tire treads, made therefrom. For example, reductions in hysteresis (heat build up during operation) have been found to correlate with higher rebound values and lower loss tangent values (tan 6) at high temperature, better handling performance often correlates with higher elastic modulus values at high temperature and strain, ice traction has been found to correlate with lower modulus values at low temperatures, etc. (In the foregoing, “high temperature” typically is considered to be ˜50°-65° C. while “low temperature” is considered to be ˜0° to ˜25° C.)

Many desirable properties of vulcanizates (as well as enhanced processability of the rubber compositions from which they are prepared) are achieved when filler particles are well dispersed and exhibit excellent interactivity with the constituent polymers. The section of the polymer chain from the site of the last crosslink to an end of the polymer chain is a major source of hysteretic losses; this free end is not tied to the macromolecular network and thus cannot be involved in an efficient elastic recovery process and, as a result, energy transmitted to this section of the polymer (and vulcanizate in which such polymer is incorporated) is lost as heat. Ensuring that these polymer chain ends are tied to, or otherwise interact well with, reinforcing particulate fillers, is important to many vulcanizate physical properties such as, for example, reduced hysteresis. Formula I-type compounds (or radicals thereof, in the case where a functionalized silica is employed) have been found to assist in ensuring that the types of functional polymers discussed above interact well with silica and other silicon-containing fillers.

The following non-limiting, illustrative examples provide detailed conditions and materials that can be useful in the practice of the invention just described.

Examples Examples 1-2

Two random styrene/butadiene copolymers were prepared similarly to the conditions employed in the polymer synthesis examples from U.S. patent publ. no. 2011/0286348. Each of the resulting copolymers had a bound styrene content of ˜20% and vinyl content (based on total butadiene mer) of ˜55%.

Polymer 1 was terminated with isopropanol while polymer 2 was reacted with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde so as to provide a formula III-type terminal functionality. Both copolymers were processed similarly to the polymer from the examples in U.S. patent publ. no. 2011/0286348.

The characteristics of polymer samples 1 and 2 are displayed below in Table 1. Molecular weight data were obtained via gel permeation chromatography using polystyrene standards. Glass transition temperature (T_(g)) data were obtained via differential scanning calorimetry.

TABLE 1 Polymer characteristics 1 2 M_(w) (kg/mol) 117.5 134.5 M_(p) (kg/mol) 117.4 116.7 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.034 1.161 % coupled 0 10.9 T_(g) (° C.) −32.9 −34.5

Examples 3-12

Five filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 1-2 using 55 phr Hi-Sil™ 190G silica (PPG Industries). The basic composition formula is shown below in Table 2a where N-phenyl-N′-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) acts as an anti-oxidant, and 2,2′-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (MBTS), N-tert-butylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide (TBBS) and N,N′-diphenylguanidine (DPG) act as accelerators. Black oil is an extender oil that contains a relatively low amount of polycyclic aromatic compounds.

Si 75™ silane was used as coupling agent, with some of this conventional silane being replaced by aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTEOS) in certain of the examples. The amounts of these components used in each example are shown in Table 2b.

Three stages of mixing (masterbatch, re-mill and final batch) were carried out for each composition using a 65-gram Brabender™ internal mixer.

TABLE 2a Filled composition formula Amount (phr) Masterbatch synthesized polymer 80 poly(isoprene) (natural rubber) 20 silica 52.5 wax blend 2 6PPD 0.95 stearic acid 2 black oil 10 APTEOS varied Re-mill silica 2.5 silane varied APTEOS varied Final sulfur 1.5 ZnO 2.5 MBTS 2.0 TBBS 0.7 DPG 1.4

TABLE 2b Amounts of silanes employed in rubber compositions Masterbatch Re-mill Polymer APTEOS (phr) silane (phr) APTEOS (phr) 3 1 0 5 0 4 1 1 4 0 5 1 2 3 0 6 1 0 4 1 7 1 0 3 2 8 2 0 5 0 9 2 1 4 0 10 2 2 3 0 11 2 0 4 1 12 2 0 3 2

Examples 13-22

The filled compositions from Examples 3-12 were vulcanized at high temperature (˜171° C.) and high pressure. Each of resulting vulcanizates 13-22 was subjected to a variety of tests, the results of which are summarized below in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Physical properties, compounds and vulcanizates 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Filled composition 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 (example no.) ML₁₊₄ @ 130° C. (final) 16.4 29.3 43.9 35.0 48.7 29.0 42.7 59.9 47.2 65.2 Bound rubber (%) 22.9 28.8 39.1 29.3 36.8 36.0 53.8 64.1 50.7 55.3 Cure test (171° C., 30 min.) ML (dN · m) 1.71 1.79 2.30 1.96 2.25 1.43 1.42 1.69 1.61 1.56 MH (dN · m) 24.34 22.28 22.20 22.02 20.15 21.99 17.37 15.66 17.47 17.31 t₁₀ (min) 1.64 1.19 0.72 1.06 0.64 1.34 0.92 0.62 0.78 0.56 t₅₀ (min) 2.59 1.76 1.07 1.64 1.01 2.09 1.35 0.93 1.18 0.80 t₉₀ (min) 7.84 4.44 4.42 5.40 4.49 6.23 2.91 2.47 2.81 2.12 Tensile @ 23° C. (final, unaged) M₅₀ (MPa) 2.16 1.89 1.90 2.04 1.84 1.83 1.52 1.35 1.50 1.61 M₁₀₀ (MPa) 3.93 3.40 3.47 3.74 3.24 3.57 2.98 2.56 2.87 3.17 M₂₀₀ (MPa) 8.04 7.17 7.36 7.71 6.73 8.15 7.33 6.41 6.77 7.65 M₃₀₀ (MPa) 12.88 11.66 11.84 12.19 10.91 13.80 13.03 11.70 11.85 13.33 T_(b) (MPa) 13.3 14.0 12.6 12.6 11.0 15.2 15.8 14.5 16.7 13.0 E_(b) (%) 312 348 317 308 305 324 347 349 390 295 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) G′ @ 9.92% strain (MPa) 3.11 2.95 3.10 3.04 2.88 2.51 2.15 2.07 2.19 2.26 tan δ @ 9.92% strain 0.194 0.196 0.194 0.188 0.196 0.123 0.100 0.102 0.112 0.104 Temp. sweep (10 Hz, final) T @ peak tan δ (° C.) −20.0 −19.9 −20.0 −19.9 −20.0 −20.0 −22.0 −21.9 −22.0 −22.0 peak tan δ (0.5% strain) 0.7682 0.7743 0.7692 0.7761 0.7887 0.8287 1.0124 1.0557 1.0016 1.0073 tan δ @ −7.0° C. (3.0% strain) 0.517 0.494 0.483 0.494 0.490 0.536 0.555 0.570 0.559 0.581 Dynastat (60° C., 10 Hz, final) tan δ 0.1175 0.1398 0.1425 0.1286 0.1442 0.0820 0.0686 0.0732 0.0763 0.0751

The high temperature loss tangent (tan 6) measurements (Dynastat data) for examples 14-17 are higher than that of example 13, while the values for examples 19-22 are lower than that of example 18. This indicates that the presence of APTEOS decreases hysteresis (i.e., tan 6) in vulcanizates made from a composition employing an appropriate type of functional SBR copolymer but not in vulcanizates made from a composition employing a similar non-functionalized SBR copolymer. Decreased hysteresis at higher temperatures generally is considered to correlate to increased (better) polymer-filler interactivity.

Dynamic strain sweep testing conducted at 50° C. indicates that loss tangent values at 9.92% strain for rubber compositions employing non-functionalized SBR copolymers are essentially the same. However, compounds made from a composition employing an appropriate functionalized copolymer (examples 19-22) have significantly lower loss tangent values than a similar non-functionalized copolymer (example 18). Lower loss tangents at higher temperatures (50°-60° C.) often are considered indicative of vulcanizates that can provide tire treads with lower rolling resistance.

Temperature sweep testing, particularly loss tangent at −7° C., shows data values for functionalized copolymers (examples 19-22) that are higher than that for a similar non-functionalized comparative copolymer (example 18), although no such increase is seen for examples 14-17 relative to example 13. Increased loss tangent at lower temperatures (˜10° to 0° C.) often are considered indicative of vulcanizates that can provide tire treads with good skid resistance as well as, perhaps, snow and ice traction.

In a plot of tan δ vs. temperature (from a temperature sweep test) data, little change in peak height was seen for examples 13-17, but the peak height for examples 19-22 increased relative to that of example 18.

Examples 23-24

Two more random styrene/butadiene copolymers were prepared similar to those from Examples 1-2. Polymer 23 was terminated with isopropanol while polymer 24 was reacted with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde so as to provide a formula III-type terminal functionality.

Both copolymers were processed and tested similarly to the polymers from Examples 1-2. The characteristics of polymer samples 23 and 24 are displayed below in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Polymer characteristics 23 24 M_(w) (kg/mol) 128.9 147.6 M_(p) (kg/mol) 127.2 127.1 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.057 1.146 % coupled 1.8 11.2 T_(g) (° C.) −34.2 −34.6

Examples 25-32

Four filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 23-24 using a basic composition formula similar to the one used in connection with examples 3-12. This formula is shown below in Table 5a. Some of the conventional (Si 75) silane was replaced by 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (3-MPTEOS) in certain of the examples, with the amounts used in each exemplary compound shown in Table 5b.

TABLE 5a Filled composition formula Amount (phr) Masterbatch synthesized polymer 80 poly(isoprene) (natural rubber) 20 silica 52.5 wax blend 2 6PPD 0.95 stearic acid 2 black oil 10 3-MPTEOS varied Re-mill silica 2.5 silane varied 3-MPTEOS varied Final sulfur 1.5 ZnO 2.5 MBTS 2.0 TBBS 0.7 DPG 1.4

TABLE 5b Amounts of silanes employed in rubber compositions Masterbatch Re-mill polymer 3-MPTEOS (phr) silane (phr) 3-MPTEOS (phr) 25 23 0 5 0 26 23 0.25 5 0 27 23 0.50 5 0 28 23 0 5 0.50 29 24 0 5 0 30 24 0.25 5 0 31 24 0.50 5 0 32 24 0 5 0.50

Examples 33-40

The filled compositions from Examples 25-32 were vulcanized similarly to those in Examples 13-22. Each of resulting vulcanizates 33-40 was subjected to a variety of tests, the results of which are summarized below in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Physical properties, compounds and vulcanizates 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Filled composition (example no.) 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 ML₁₊₄ @ 130° C. (final) 17.9 18.6 18.7 16.5 32.5 35.1 38.8 33.5 Bound rubber (%) 17.9 30.0 35.1 23.9 41.4 51.0 60.6 49.4 Cure test (171° C., 30 min.) ML (dN · m) 1.87 1.62 1.41 1.53 1.50 1.36 1.37 1.27 MH (dN · m) 25.60 24.51 23.76 24.60 21.99 20.47 19.25 21.55 t₁₀ (min) 1.83 1.84 1.67 1.63 1.40 1.35 1.23 1.16 t₅₀ (min) 2.94 2.87 2.66 2.68 2.35 2.16 2.07 2.00 t₉₀ (min) 9.14 8.86 8.68 9.33 6.91 6.82 7.83 7.65 Tensile @ 23° C. (final, unaged) M₅₀ (MPa) 2.71 2.67 2.67 2.68 2.33 2.31 2.26 2.56 M₁₀₀ (MPa) 5.21 5.16 5.28 5.23 4.81 4.97 4.98 5.48 M₂₀₀ (MPa) 11.43 11.42 11.92 11.69 11.67 12.55 12.98 13.32 T_(b) (MPa) 14.4 15.2 15.0 15.1 17.0 16.6 14.9 15.3 E_(b) (%) 244 256 243 248 273 250 223 225 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) G′ @ 9.80% strain (MPa) 3.05 2.76 2.59 2.64 2.27 2.16 2.26 2.02 tan δ @ 9.80% strain 0.184 0.180 0.175 0.181 0.119 0.104 0.101 0.101 Temp. sweep (0.5% strain, 10 Hz, final) T @ peak tan δ (° C.) −19.9 −20.0 −19.9 −19.9 −18.0 −18.0 −17.8 −17.9 peak tan δ 0.787 0.794 0.795 0.794 0.887 1.022 1.048 0.960 tan δ @ −6.0° C. 0.368 0.375 0.388 0.374 0.468 0.574 0.587 0.534 Dynastat (60° C., final) tan δ 0.1262 0.1254 0.1258 0.1234 0.0827 0.0736 0.0703 0.0738

The data from Table 6 indicate, inter alia, that rubber compositions employing 3-MPTEOS with functionalized SBR copolymers (examples 38-40) exhibit significantly higher peak tan δ values (temperature sweep) and significantly reduced tan δ (both strain sweep testing at 50° C. as well as Dynastat) than do similar compounds employing non-functionalized control SBR copolymers.

Examples 41-42

Two more random styrene/butadiene copolymers were prepared similar to those from Examples 1-2. Polymer 41 was terminated with isopropanol while polymer 42 was reacted with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde so as to provide a formula III-type terminal functionality.

Both copolymers were processed and tested similarly to the polymers from Examples 1-2. The characteristics of polymer samples 41 and 42 are displayed below in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Polymer characteristics 41 42 M_(w) (kg/mol) 93.9 123.4 M_(p) (kg/mol) 94.7 99.2 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.034 1.176 % coupled 1.1 19.5 T_(g) (° C.) −36.6 −36.5

Examples 43-48

Three filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 41-42 using a composition formula similar to those used previously; the particular formula is shown below in Table 8a. Some of the conventional (Si 75) silane was replaced by 3-MPTEOS or APTEOS in certain of the compositions, with the amounts used in each exemplary compound shown in Table 8b.

TABLE 8a Filled composition formula Amount (phr) Masterbatch synthesized polymer 80 poly(isoprene) (natural rubber) 20 silica 55 wax blend 2 6PPD 1 stearic acid 2 black oil 10 silane varied APTEOS varied 3-MPTEOS varied Re-mill Final sulfur 1.5 ZnO 2.5 MBTS 2.0 TBBS 0.7 DPG 1.4

TABLE 8b Amounts of silanes employed in rubber compositions Masterbatch polymer silane (phr) APTEOS (phr) 3-MPTEOS (phr) 43 41 5 0 0 44 41 4 1 0 45 41 5 0 0.5 46 42 5 0 0 47 42 4 1 0 48 42 5 0 0.5

Examples 49-54

The filled compositions from Examples 43-48 were vulcanized similarly to those in previous examples. Each of resulting vulcanizates 49-54 was subjected to strain sweep testing, the results of which are summarized below in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Strain data, vulcanizates 49 50 51 52 53 54 Filled composition (example no.) 43 44 45 46 47 48 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) tan δ @ 9.92% strain 0.214 0.210 0.208 0.166 0.142 0.148 % reduction from comparative — 1.9 2.8 — 14.5 10.8

The data from Table 9 indicate that vulcanizates employing a formula I-type compound with a functionalized SBR copolymer (examples 53-54) exhibit significant reductions in hysteresis (lower tan δ values), while vulcanizates employing those same compounds with a non-functionalized control SBR copolymer (examples 50-51) exhibit only minimal reductions, probably resulting from modifications in filler-filler interactions (aminosilane) or bonding between silica surface and backbone double bonds (mercaptosilane).

Examples 55-58

Two more filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 41-42; examples 55-56 were prepared from polymer sample 41, while Examples 57-58 were prepared from polymer sample 42. The filled compositions were prepared using the formula shown below in Table 10, with Hi-Sil™ 210 silica (PPG Industries) being used in Examples 55 and 57 and Ciptane™ I modified silica in Examples 56 and 58.

TABLE 10 Filled composition formula Amount (phr) Masterbatch synthesized polymer 100 silica 50 6PPD 1 stearic acid 2 black oil 10 Re-mill Final sulfur 3 ZnO 3 MBTS 1 TBBS 1 DPG 0.5

Examples 59-62

The filled compositions from Examples 55-58 were vulcanized similarly to those in previous examples. Each of resulting vulcanizates 59-62 was subjected to strain sweep testing, the results of which are summarized below in Table 11.

TABLE 11 Strain data, vulcanizates 59 60 61 62 Filled composition (example no.) 55 56 57 58 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) tan δ @ 9.99% strain 0.181 0.165 0.124 0.096 % reduction from comparative — 8.7 — 22.4

The data from Table 11 indicate that vulcanizates employing a silica containing a bound residue of a formula I-type compound (examples 60 and 62) exhibit significant reductions in hysteresis (lower tan δ values) than vulcanizates employing an unmodified silica (examples 59 and 61). This reduction is ˜250% greater where the modified silica is used with a functionalized SBR copolymer (example 62) than with a non-functionalized control SBR copolymer (example 60).

Examples 63-65

Two more random styrene/butadiene copolymers were prepared similar to those from Examples 1-2; polymer 63 was terminated with isopropanol while polymer 64 was reacted with 3,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde so as to provide a formula III-type terminal functionality.

A third styrene/butadiene interpolymer was prepared using a procedure similar to that from Examples 53-55 of U.S. Patent Publ. No. 2011/0286348. The amount of 3,4-di(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)styrene added was targeted so as to provide, on average, two 3,4-dihydroxy-styrene mer units per interpolymer chain.

These copolymers were processed and tested similarly to the polymers from Examples 1-2. The characteristics of polymer samples 63-65 are displayed below in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Polymer characteristics 63 64 65 M_(w) (kg/mol) 132.2 146.8 128.8 M_(p) (kg/mol) 132.9 133.8 121.7 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.028 1.091 1.067 % coupled 0 9.2 5.4 T_(g) (° C.) −35.4 −38.1 −35.6

Examples 66-73

Filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 63-65 using a composition formula similar to those used previously; this formula is shown below in Table 13a. Some of the conventional (Si 75) silane was replaced by 3-MPTEOS or APTEOS in certain of the compositions, with the amounts used in each exemplary compound shown in Table 13b.

TABLE 13a Filled composition formula Amount (phr) Masterbatch synthesized polymer 80 poly(isoprene) (natural rubber) 20 silica 52.5 wax blend 2 6PPD 1 stearic acid 2 black oil 10 APTEOS varied 3-MPTEOS varied Re-mill silica 2.5 silane varied Final sulfur 1.5 ZnO 2.5 MBTS 2.0 TBBS 0.7 DPG 1.4

TABLE 13b Amounts of silanes employed in rubber compositions Masterbatch Re-mill polymer APTEOS (phr) 3-MPTEOS (phr) silane (phr) 66 63 0 0 5 67 63 0 0.5 5 68 64 0 0 5 69 64 1 0 4 70 64 0 0.5 5 71 65 0 0 5 72 65 1 0 4 73 65 0 0.5 5

Examples 74-81

The filled compositions from Examples 66-73 were vulcanized similarly to those in previous examples. Each of resulting vulcanizates 74-81 was subjected to strain sweep testing, the results of which are summarized below in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Strain data, vulcanizates 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 Filled composition (example no.) 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) tan δ @ 9.92% strain 0.186 0.174 0.117 0.100 0.086 0.171 0.131 0.128 % reduction from comparative — 6.5 — 14.7 26.4 — 23.4 25.2

The data of Table 14 indicate that vulcanizates employing a formula I-type compound with a functionalized SBR copolymer (examples 80-81) or functionalized SBR interpolymer (examples 77-78) exhibit significant reductions in hysteresis (lower tan δ values), while a vulcanizate employing such a compound with a non-functionalized control SBR copolymer (examples 75) exhibits a much smaller reduction.

Examples 82-84

Three more random styrene/butadiene copolymers were prepared similar to those from Examples 1-2; polymer 82 was terminated with isopropanol while polymers 83-84 was reacted with, respectively, a dihydroxybenzonitrile (similar to the procedure described in examples 42-46 of WO 2011/002930) and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde so as to provide formula III-type terminal functionalities.

These copolymers were processed and tested similarly to the polymers from Examples 1-2. The characteristics of polymer samples 82-84 are displayed below in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Polymer characteristics 82 83 84 M_(w) (kg/mol) 122.1 169.4 214.7 M_(p) (kg/mol) 121.9 121.3 110.6 M_(w)/M_(n) 1.049 1.276 1.417 % coupled 1.6 29.1 56.8 T_(g) (° C.) −40.1 −38.8 −34.9

Examples 85-92

Filled compositions were prepared from each of polymer samples 82-84 using the composition formula shown above in Table 13a. The amounts of conventional (Si 75) silane, 3-MPTEOS, and APTEOS used in the compositions are shown in Table 16 below.

TABLE 16 Amounts of silanes employed in rubber compositions Masterbatch Re-mill polymer APTEOS (phr) 3-MPTEOS (phr) silane (phr) 85 82 0 0 5 86 82 1 0 4 87 82 0 1 4 88 83 0 0 5 89 83 1 0 4 90 83 0 1 4 91 84 0 0 5 92 84 0 1 4

Examples 93-100

The filled compositions from Examples 85-92 were vulcanized similarly to those in previous examples. Each of resulting vulcanizates 93-100 was subjected to strain sweep testing, the results of which are summarized below in Table 17.

TABLE 17 Strain data vulcanizates 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 Filled composition (example no.) 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 Strain sweep (50° C., 15 Hz, final) tan δ @ 9.80% strain 0.196 0.191 0.169 0.139 0.115 0.103 0.148 0.109 % reduction from comparative — 2.6 13.8 — 17.3 25.9 — 26.4

The data of Table 17 indicate that vulcanizates employing a formula I-type compound with a functionalized SBR copolymer (examples 97-98 and 100) exhibit significant reductions in hysteresis (lower tan δ values), while vulcanizates employing such a compound with a non-functionalized control SBR copolymer (examples 94-95) exhibit a similar but far lesser reduction. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a filled rubber composition, said method comprising a) providing a first composition by blending (1) a polymer that comprises (i) ethylenic unsaturation and (ii) pendent or terminal functionality which comprises an aryl group having at least two substituents defined by the formula —OR, wherein R is H or a hydrolyzable group, or an oxidation product thereof, (2) filler particles that comprise oxides of silicon, and (3) one or more compounds defined by the general formula YR¹L where L is a group that contains at least one Si—O bond, R¹ is a hydrocarbylene group, and Y is a functionality that comprises a —OH, —SH, —NHR², —CN, —C(O)R² or —NCO group in which R² is H or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; and b) mixing said first composition with at least one sulfide-containing silane coupling agent so as to provide said filled rubber composition.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said functionality is at a terminus of said polymer.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said functionality has the general formula

where Z′ is a single bond or an alkylene group; R⁵ is an aryl group comprising two or more OR substituent groups; R⁶ is H, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group which optionally can include one or more hydrolyzable protecting groups, R′, or JR′ where J is O, S, or —NR′ in which each R′ independently is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and Q″ is the residue of a functionality that is reactive with at least one type of reactive polymers but which itself is non-reactive toward such polymers.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the aryl group of said functionality is a phenyl group.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said filler particles comprise at least one species of silica.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said mixing step occurs after said providing step is complete.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said providing step involves up to 2 phr of said one or more compounds defined by the general formula YR¹L.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein mixing step involves at least 3 phr of said coupling agent.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing step involves up to 2 phr of said one or more compounds defined by the general formula YR¹L.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein mixing step involves at least 3 phr of said coupling agent.
 11. A process for making a filled rubber composition, said process comprising blending (1) a polymer that comprises (i) ethylenic unsaturation and (ii) pendent or terminal functionality which comprises an aryl group having at least two substituents defined by the formula —OR, wherein R is H or a hydrolyzable group, or an oxidation product thereof; and (2) filler particles that comprise oxides of silicon and bound residues of one or more compounds having the general formula YR¹L where L is a group that contains at least one Si—O bond, R¹ is a hydrocarbylene group, and Y is a functionality that comprises a —OH, —SH, —NHR², —CN, —C(O)R² or —NCO group in which R² is H or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group.
 12. The process of claim 11 wherein said functionality is at a terminus of said polymer.
 13. The process of claim 12 wherein said functionality has the general formula

where Z′ is a single bond or an alkylene group; R⁵ is an aryl group comprising two or more OR substituent groups; R⁶ is H, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group which optionally can include one or more hydrolyzable protecting groups, R′, or JR′ where J is O, S, or —NR′ in which each R′ independently is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and Q″ is the residue of a functionality that is reactive with at least one type of reactive polymers but which itself is non-reactive toward such polymers.
 14. The process of claim 12 wherein the aryl group of said functionality is a phenyl group.
 15. The process of claim 11 wherein said filler particles comprise at least one species of silica.
 16. The process of claim 16 wherein Y is a functionality that comprises a —SH group.
 17. The process of claim 11 wherein said filler particles comprise at least one species of kaolin clay.
 18. The process of claim 17 wherein Y is a functionality that comprises a —SH group.
 19. The process of claim 11 wherein said filler particles comprise at least one species having a surface free energy in water value of at least 300 mJ/m².
 20. The process of claim 11 wherein said filled rubber composition comprises at least one sulfide-containing silane coupling agent. 